As from 12th September, employers must use the HSE’s online system to report instances where an employee suffers a personal injury at work under RIDDOR. The Health & Safety Executive says that online filing will make it quick and easy to report incidents.
The HSE has also proposed other alterations to the reporting regime for accidents, but some personal injury solicitors are concerned that the latest proposals could see repeat offenders slip through the net.
Lord Young proposed extending the reporting threshold in his Common Sense, Common Safety report and the HSE has taken his suggestion on board. Under the latest proposals, employers will only need to report a work accident if the victim is absent from his job for longer than seven days.
Zahra Nanji, a health and safety lawyer, said this will lead to a less accurate picture of accidents in the workplace and sub-standard safety practices may not be picked up. If an employee suffers a broken leg and returns to work before seven days, the incident will not be recorded independently. Repeat offenders could therefore avoid independent scrutiny.
Every year, thousands of UK employees suffer an accident at work and could be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. Not only can these accidents have a severe affect on the victim, they can also destroy the lives of family members. If you, or a loved one, have been a victim of an accident at work, you should contact a personal injury solicitor for advice.
